The South-South Elders Progressive Forum (SSEPF) has expressed disappointment with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) over what they perceive as deliberate and flawed communication regarding the dissolution of the governing boards of federal government parastatals, agencies, institutions, and government-owned companies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued in Abuja after a meeting with stakeholders, the elders highlighted ambiguities in the SGF’s communication on June 19, which they claim allowed vested interests to circumvent the presidential directive and disregard its implementation at the NDDC.
The SSEPF expressed dismay that the SGF’s office failed to consider the diverse statutory provisions governing the appointment procedures for boards of various federal government agencies, particularly concerning the NDDC. They allege that this oversight has led to confusion and intense lobbying and manipulations by officials at the NDDC affected by the directive.
The statement, signed by Chief Jolomi Ande and Dr. Benedict Akparanta, Chairman and Secretary General of the SSEPF, emphasized that while managing directors/CEOs of certain agencies are usually appointed individually regardless of the existence of a governing board, the NDDC requires the appointment of a substantive managing director and two executive directors only when a governing board is constituted. Therefore, they argue that the dissolution of the NDDC’s board should include the managing director and executive directors to maintain consistency with previous practices.
The SSEPF urged the SGF to familiarize themselves with the NDDC’s appointment procedures and rectify the anomaly promptly, citing the potential for escalating tensions in the Niger Delta region. They also criticized the influence of “monstrous middle-men” during the previous administration and called on President Bola Tinubu to take full control of his administration, curb saboteurs and middle-men, and restore public confidence, good governance, peace, stability, and national development. The SSEPF commended President Tinubu for his significant steps taken in a short period in office.
